Exercise The Right Way – The Leg Press
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders’ training regimes.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.
In this article we’ll take a close look at the leg press.
MUSCLES TARGETED: vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis, rectus femoris
STARTING POSITION
Lie on leg press machine with buttocks supported on seat and back pressed against the back rest pad.
Place feet flat on the platform, shoulder width apart. Angle toes slightly outwards.
Grip handles and unlock weight in readiness for performance of the leg press.
EXERCISE TECHNIQUE
Slowly bend legs, allowing knees to move towards the chest.
When the knees have reached a point just beyond 90 degrees, slowly straighten the legs until you return to the starting position.
Do not lock your knees at the highest point of the movement.
Repeat this movement until you reach your target number of repetitions
OTHER EXERCISES WORTH CONSIDERING
Other exercises that tackle these muscles include the Squat, Hack Squats, Smith Machine Squats and Seated Leg Extensions.
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
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Exercise The Right Way – The Leg Curl
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders’ training regimes.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.
In this article we’ll take a close look at the leg curl.
MUSCLES TARGETED: semimembranosus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris
STARTING POSITION
Assume a prone position on the machine and press the torso and hips against the pads.
Place the ankles behind and in contact with the foot pad.
Place the legs parallel to each other.
Hang the knees slightly off the edge of the knee pad.
Grasp the handles.
UPWARD MOVEMENT
Raise the pad by fully flexing the knees.
Keep the torso stationary and the hips and torso pressed against the pads.
Do not lift the hips or thighs off the thigh pad.
Do not lock out the knees.
DOWNWARD MOVEMENT
Allow the knees to slowly bend back to the starting position.
Keep the torso stationary and the hips and torso pressed against the pads.
Repeat or finish set.
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
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Exercise The Right Way – The Upright Row
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders’ training regimes.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.
In this article we’ll take a close look at the upright row.
MUSCLES TARGETED: deltoids, trapezius
STARTING POSITION
Grasp the bar with a closed pronated grip.
Grip should be narrower than shoulder width.
Stand erect with feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly flexed.
Rest the bar on the thighs with the elbows fully extended and pointing out to the sides.
UPWARD MOVEMENT
Pull the bar upward along the abdomen and chest toward the chin.
Keep the torso and knees in the same position.
At the top position, make sure the elbows are higher than the wrists and the shoulders.
DOWNWARD MOVEMENT
Allow the bar to slowly lower back to the starting position.
Keep the torso and knees in the same position.
Repeat or finish set.
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
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